Have you ever noticed that certain numbers in the Bible repeat? The number 7 and 40 are found in numerous places. What are we to glean from this repetition of numbers? Is numerology a study that should be applied to the Bible? 

The most important question,  of course is not answered in being in awe of numbers but of the creator! 

We are rounding out the season of random things in the Bible with looking at these questions. 

https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Has your yearly reading plan ever died in Leviticus? No one likes to read rule books and manuals. Some of these laws seem seriously archaic and irrelevant. Let's take a closer look at why the law is in our bibles. It is actually a large section of scripture that goes through several books. We also are going to look at NT scripture and what Jesus said about the law. Finally, how did Paul guide us to use the law for relationships and not for legalism?

Scripture References:
Jesus says that He fulfills the law: Matthew 5:17
Matthew 22- Jesus comments on the law and gives the “great commandment”

 References:
Bible Project Video on the law: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/law/
Bible Project Video on how to read the law: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/reading-biblical-law/
Further Reading: (The Pentateuch as Narrative by John H. Sailhamer) https://www.amazon.com/Pentateuch-Narrative-Biblical-Theological-Commentary/dp/0310574218/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580744311329&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032002&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=108011902167686825&hvtargid=kwd-757346585&hydadcr=8267_13500954&keywords=the+pentateuch+as+narrative&qid=1686890032&s=books&sr=1-1

My website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

We are continuing in our look at random things found in scripture. Today we are taking a look at 2 Timothy. Paul asks Timothy to bring him his coat. Why is this errand and personal favor part of God's holy word? 

Our 2 questions:
What does this show us about God's character?
Where is Jesus in this ?

References:
Charles Spurgeon's sermon on the insights of Paul's coat: https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/paul-his-cloak-and-his-books/#flipbook/
My website:
https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

What are we supposed to do with the detailed instructions of Exodus? Are we supposed to use them to build a new ark or temple? Why would God keep such minutiae in the Bible?

We can always count on asking 2 questions no matter where we are in scripture:
What does this tell me about God's character?
Where is Jesus (the gospel) in this?

Let's take a look at the details found in the back half of Exodus and see if we can answer both of those questions.

My website:
 https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

We have 4 gospels that account for Jesus Christ's life and ministry, his death and resurrection. Some may see having separate accounts that differ on the details as a burden; I do not! Let's look at how having 4 different accounts is a blessing and an asset. We look at the authors of each and their intention. Then I take a small sample from one story found in each gospel: the feeding of the 5000.

Scripture References:
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-14

How do you view the gospels? Do they inspire you to believe or question?

My website:
https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Season 4 kicks off with genealogies from 1 Chronicles. What are all these seemingly random things in the Bible for?

Today we look specifically at the first 10 chapters of Chronicles. It is a whole lot of names. What can we actually learn about God from all those names? How does this point to the gospel? So many people skip over Chronicles because of the enormous task of the first 10 chapters. It also seems like unnecessarily repeated information. Let's deal with it and see what we can glean from this never-ending list of names.

Resources:
bible app- free app to have scripture read to you!
for apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible/id282935706
for google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sirma.mobile.bible.android&hl=en_US&gl=US

My website:
https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

I sincerely hope you have been able to start and maybe even finish, writing your testimony. It is an amazing act of worship even if you don't share it. Today I am giving you examples, of my own witness testimony, of taking a 10 min testimony and making it a 2 minute story. This is the most practical to practice and think about. What if, Christians always shared this small testimony when they met someone new. Not the job or the number of kids, but a witness to the savior! 

My testimony talks about Natalie Grant and a few songs she sang. I am linking to the YouTube videos for your enjoyment. I don't own the rights or anything like that but I know that a good worship song can sometimes bring joy from darkness. 
Held: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJhsexd8Qqg
It Is Well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFl-5c5vDgE

My Website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

I am so grateful that my friend Carol came and shared her experience of being asked to give her testimony at a church event. Then she blesses us with that witness testimony! #donthangup

Carol gives us a really good example of how to highlight God's involvement in our lives over decades, like Ruth. Whether it is a moment or a season, God works with and through us. It is an act of worship to write it down and share it with others. Thanks Carol!

Links and Resources:
Carol's church: https://www.tapestryoakland.org/team
Legacy questions for family: https://www.storii.com/  (this site has questions that can be answered in ways that they are saved and able to be shared)
https://www.today.com/life/relationships/questions-to-ask-your-mom-rcna76980 (questions for mom but links at the end for other relationships)
https://www.wellandgood.com/questions-to-ask-parents/
My website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

10 minute testimony- common pitfalls and missteps

1- glorifying your sin

Do you long for your life before walking with Jesus? This can highlight an unrepentant heart. We want to focus on the Savior not the Sin! Pray for your heart to see what you have gained in your faith, not what you “gave up”. 

2- assigning credit where it doesn’t belong

We don’t accomplish any heart changes without Jesus. Our power lies with Him. Give Him the credit. 

3- don’t wait for the perfect ending to tell your story

An honest and vulnerable story has more impact than a picture perfect ending that has been manufactured. 

What to do now? Take the answers to your questions, put them together. Say it out loud and time it. You might need to write in “breathe” “pause here” to work out the timing. Pray about where God wants you to take your story. You might need to share it with family or friends. Maybe this would be a good time to approach your small group leader and ask if testimonies can be something y’all do together. Volunteer to go first! 

If you need help or don't know where to go next, contact me!
https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/contact 

Outline for writing your 10 minute testimony; start by answering these questions:

1. When did you decide to follow God and give your heart to Jesus?
2. When did God meet you in a low or dark place in your life? (5 Remembrance Stones)
3. What has the last year of your spiritual life looked like?
   How do you feel about it? How do you think God feels about it?

Reflections on the process:

• How have you felt throughout this process?

my testimony = _________________

• What characteristic of God has been at the forefront of your mind thru this process?

my testimony = God’s ____________________

• What false beliefs are you carrying around about yourself? Your experiences? God? 

Perspective changes questions:

• How did I feel during that experience?
• What was my sin in it?
• Did it have any impact on my faith?
• Did it change what I believe about God?

After reflecting, go through your 10 minute testimony question and answers. Would you change anything?

What’s next?

Pray about your story and what God would have you do with it.
Share with someone that cares about you and is also a believer.
Ask your faith community if testimony sharing is something you can do.
Tell your story!

Word of caution: if your story has details of someone else, be kind. If at all possible, check with that person before sharing their details with others. Next week we will talk more about how to handle this situation and others. 

Scripture References:

John 14:8-10

Psalm 13

My website: You can contact me with how this process has been, prayer needs, how to get connected in a local community, whatever! Go to the "contact" page and send me an email.
https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/